Back to Basics Cruising

Posted on May 5, 2010
Filed Under Cruising, Sailing

Whenever the subject of taking a cruise comes up, there’s an instant dilemma for me. The majority, including my better half, seem to gravitate toward those large cruise ships that carry a gazillion passengers while I’m thinking tall ships, and windjammers.

No doubt one reason is that a sailing cruise hints at more excitement and perhaps tall sails adventure like ocean travel was a couple hundred years ago, whereas the floating hotels just don’t do it for me. I mean the big cruise ships are nice enough, but I want something I can feel working in sync with the ocean.

Tall ships and windjammer cruisingOne of my all-time favorite movies is “Master and Commander” at the very beginning when it opens with a nighttime, below decks scene where all you hear is the water and the creaking of the wooden hull working against it. Makes you feel like you’re really there.

And no, my preference to participate in working the ship as part of the crew doesn’t help win anyone over to my side either. Some folks don’t think that sounds like much of a vacation, whereas I see it as a super way to clear my head and unwind.

Anyway, the dilemma will likely continue with the end result being the compromise of taking turns so each gets their preference. The good news is I do believe we’ve at least agreed on smaller ships as opposed to the mega-carriers.

Comments

One Response to “Back to Basics Cruising”

  1. Hal
    on May 6th, 2010 at 8:42 am

    I too prefer the tall ship sailing over the phoo phoo cruiseliners. It greatly clears your head because there are no crowds; no hussling; no stress. For Island Windjammers, you don’t need to do any work; we sail you to the different Caribbean islands (you can help if you want, though). Maybe we’ll see you on a future trip. (And we have a fun Facebook page.)

Leave a Reply